An extension of Lifeline’s crisis text helpline availability has been welcomed by the organisation’s Central Coast network.
Lifeline announced this week that a $1.5M grant from the Federal Government had enabled fast-tracking the expansion of the text service to 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Lifeline Hunter Central Coast CEO, Robert Sams, said the move would be a huge support for the region.
“Having this service, alongside webchat and the traditional phone, means that those on the Coast seeking help can do so in the communication medium of their choice, at all times of the day and night,” Sams said.
He said demand for Lifeline’s services had risen dramatically over the past two years.
“It started with drought and bushfires – and then COVID hit,” he said.
“Calls are up by 25 per cent since the pandemic began and we broke our own record for calls multiple times last year- with 3,726 calls received nationally on New Year’s Day alone.
“Here on the Central Coast we take about 400 calls each week, at all times, day or night, with about 60 counsellors on staff.
“The people who answer our calls are just amazing.
“Most of them are volunteers, giving their time to help others in distress or crisis.”
Sams said expanding the service would ease the burden for many who reach out for help.
“A lot of people won’t reach out by phone but will text,” he said.
“Maybe it’s a teenager who wants to text without having to find a private place from which to make a phone call – it could also help in domestic violence situations.”
The move would also ease the workload for the Coast’s stretched telephone counsellors, he said.
Lifeline has been providing Australia’s only crisis text helpline since 2019.
National CEO, Colin Seery, said the service has increased the range and total number of people contacting the organisation.
“This is a landmark in suicide prevention in Australia and is all about bringing help to people who are in situations and environments where accessing support through digital communication is the only safe or viable option,” Seery said.
“The service is unique in that it allows for genuine privacy during contact, so it is well suited to support cohorts at heightened vulnerability such as help seekers experiencing domestic and family violence or those living with a disability.”
In a 2019 evaluation of the original service by the Australian Health Services Research Institute, 42 per cent of contacts said they would not have used another service if the text or chat were not available.
Of 1,000 help seekers who were asked to provide demographic information, the median age of people using the service is 24, while 80 per cent of help seekers identified as female.
Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said Lifeline’s 24/7 text service is an important expansion of the vital service the charity provides in crisis support and suicide prevention.
If you, or someone you know, are feeling overwhelmed, connect with Lifeline in the way you feel most comfortable.
Call to speak to a crisis supporter on 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or chat to Lifeline online at www.lifeline.org.au.
All services are now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Terry Collins